Orthodontist explains how poor dental health affects sleep: 3 ways your mouth may be disturbing your sleep quality
ALSO READ: Probiotics for your dental health? Know how it's the next frontier for cavity prevention
Dr Jaineel Parekh, Orthodontist, Laxmi Dental Limited, shared with HT Lifestyle why paying attention to this relationship may help in improving both sleep quality and dental health.
He said,'Oral health does more than protect your teeth. It impacts your breathing, inflammation levels, and even brain activity, especially during sleep. The mouth, acting as the body's shared gateway for food and air, plays a vital role in nighttime health. When something goes wrong in your oral cavity, your sleep can suffer. And when sleep falters, so does your overall health. The biology is clear that oral health drives sleep quality, and sleep quality fuels daily energy, heart function, and even emotional well-being. The better you care for your mouth, the more peacefully your whole body will sleep.'
Dr Jaineel Parekh shared a comprehensive guide with us, unpacking three conditions linked to this relationship and the dental hygiene practices that can help:
3 conditions that show the link between dental health and sleep
Bruxism or grinding teeth, disrupts sleep.(Shutterstock)
1. Obstructive sleep apnea
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) disrupts sleep by blocking the upper airway repeatedly through the night. Each obstruction stops airflow, jolts the brain awake, and fragments rest. These interruptions exhaust the body and strain the heart.
This blockage often stems from oral structures a narrow palate, a large tongue, or a misaligned jaw.
2. Bruxism
Bruxism, or grinding teeth at night, damages more than enamel. It leads to jaw pain, cracked molars, and persistent headaches.
Its roots lie deep, often in stress and misalignment. But its behaviour emerges during sleep when the brain shifts between stages.
3. Inflammation
Gum disease is more than local irritation. Its systemic inflammation is caused by oral bacteria.
This inflammation affects sleep cycles. Because when the body is inflamed, it affects brain signalling and stress hormone levels, both of which are closely linked to healthy sleep cycles.
Daily dental habits that will help you sleep better
National Toothache Day: 5 common brushing mistakes that can lead to toothache(Diana Polekhina on Unsplash)
1. Brush twice a day, two minutes each time
Brushing removes harmful plaque.
Do it in the morning to clean sleep residue, and at night to remove food and bacteria.
This protects against infections that disturb sleep.
2. Use antibacterial mouthwash
Mouthwash reaches deep, reduces bacteria, and freshens breath.
A cleaner mouth helps you feel more relaxed, aiding sleep.
3. Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth
Night guards cushion your bite and stop damage.
They reduce jaw strain and prevent nighttime awakenings caused by tension or pain.
When should you see a doctor?
Waking up tired despite sleeping for hours Bleeding gum Sore jaw
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
10 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Continuous rain making you groggy and moody? 3 ways to get rid of monsoon blues
Monsoon season's weather tends to influence overall wellbeing adversely, impacting both mental and physical health. The conditions are predictably unpredictable, going from a light drizzle to a heavy downpour in seconds, and weeks can go by without the sun making an appearance. The monotonous rain and relentless grey skies weigh down on the mood and disrupt daily rhythms, making you emotionally off-balance. Monsoon is gloomy, but don't let it affect your mood. Adopt proactive measures to stay active.(Shutterstock) ALSO READ: 5 Ayurvedic detox tips for monsoon gut reset: CCF tea, easy-to-digest meals and more It may seem as if the seasonal slump is out of your hands and more in control of (a very predictable) weather forecast. But the mood doesn't have to follow the same script as the weather. A few changes help you get back in control, even if the skies refuse to clear. Ashita Katariya, Mental Health Therapist and Addictions Specialist at Samarpan Health, shared with HT Lifestyle a guide, covering five major ways the monsoon affects both mental and physical health, along with three proactive steps one can take to turn around the monsoon blues: 5 reasons why monsoon feels off From grogginess to feeling low, monsoon brings a lot of physical and mental changes. (Shutterstock) 1. Sleep disruption Cloudy skies affect the body's internal clock, making many people oversleep and others lie awake at night. It's a real biological response to the lack of natural light. 2. Low energy levels Reduced sunlight lowers serotonin, our brain's 'feel-good' chemical. This leaves us more tired, foggy, and unmotivated than usual. 3. Mood swings Gloomy weather can make us sad, anxious, and irritable. The emotional heaviness of grey days often goes unnoticed until it lingers. 4. Appetite changes Many crave comfort food or lose their appetite altogether. The monsoon can disrupt eating patterns in response to emotional fluctuations caused by the monsoon. 5. Isolation Cancelled plans and flooded roads reduce social interaction, increasing feelings of loneliness. This is especially true for those living alone or working remotely. How to beat monsoon blues? Doing mindful activities like yoga helps elevate mood. (Shutterstock) 1. Look for light Seek light, be it near a window or heading out in moments of sunlight. Brighten up home with indoor lights. 2. Stay active while indoors This can be done by doing home workouts and yoga exercises. Doing this will not only help in uplifting our mood by firing endorphins and serotonin, but will also help to feel less fatigued. 3. Build a healthy sleep routine Build healthy sleep patterns. This can consist of establishing a consistent sleep schedule, not using devices or watching TV prior to sleeping or creating a relaxing bedtime routine by possibly including some mindfulness exercises such as guided and visual meditation. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hindustan Times
12 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Is stress the only cause of alopecia? Dermatologist debunks 4 common myths about hair loss
Male and female pattern baldness is a common concern for many. Also known as alopecia, this type of hair loss can occur at any age and may be influenced by genetic factors, hormonal changes, lifestyle habits, or underlying health conditions. While in some cases it can be reversed, it often serves as an important indicator of overall health. Also read | Blaming stress for hair loss? Dermat says it can be alopecia: Know types, risk factors Alopecia indicates underlying health conditions, genetic predispositions and hormonal fluctuations and lifestyle factors.(Unsplash) In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Hosalli Karjol, consultant and chief dermatologist, Vrudhii, Skin Center and Surgery Clinic, Hesargatta Road, Bengaluru said, 'While medical research has identified multiple causes and effective treatments for hair loss, several myths and misconceptions continue to circulate. These false beliefs not only create unnecessary anxiety but can also delay proper diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the truth behind these myths is crucial for timely and effective hair care.' Here are a few myths about alopecia that the dermatologist busted: Myth 1: Hair loss only affects men. Fact: While male pattern baldness is widely recognized, women are equally vulnerable to hair loss due to hormonal fluctuations, thyroid disorders, and nutritional deficiencies. Female hair loss may present as diffuse thinning rather than bald patches, making it less obvious but equally concerning. Myth 2: Shaving your head or cutting hair frequently makes it grow back thicker. Fact: Hair thickness and growth rate are determined by genetics and follicle health, not by cutting the hair shaft. Shaving may give an impression of thicker growth initially because new hair has a blunt edge, but it does not change the density or number of follicles. Also read | Male Pattern Baldness: Causes, warning signs and symptoms, treatment of Andro Genetic Alopecia Know these myths about alopecia.(Shutterstock) Myth 3: Stress is the sole cause of alopecia. Fact: While stress can trigger temporary shedding, particularly telogen effluvium, most types of alopecia are caused by a combination of genetics, hormonal imbalances, autoimmune responses, and nutritional deficiencies. Ignoring these factors may worsen hair loss over time. Myth 4: All hair loss is permanent and untreatable. Fact: Many forms of alopecia are reversible if diagnosed early. Medical treatments, nutritional therapy, topical solutions, and advanced options like PRP therapy or laser therapy can successfully stimulate regrowth in many patients. Also read | Sudden hair loss and hair thinning? Dermat shares 3 medical conditions that can trigger alopecia Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hindustan Times
15 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Health coach shares 5 things you must know 'before blindly loading on protein': ‘You don't need 100g of protein'
Among the many weight loss trends circulating online, one of the most popular is increasing protein intake in meals. Protein is known to keep you fuller for longer, reduce cravings, and support muscle building while burning fat. But does that mean we should load up on protein without caution? Also read | 10 high-protein foods that make weight loss easy, according to nutritionist Things to know before blinding loading on protein.(Shutterstock) Health and nutrition coach Nikita Bardia warned against it. On May 15, Nikita shared an Instagram post explaining the downsides of having too much protein. 'When I started consuming protein, I also started gaining weight. Things you must know before blindly loading on protein,' she wrote. 1. Protein can still make you gain weight, if you're in a surplus If your maintenance is 1800 kcal and you're eating 2100 kcal (even from clean, high-protein foods), you will gain fat. Calories still matter. Indian example: 150g paneer = 270 kcal 1 scoop plant protein = 120 kcal 2 tbsp peanut butter = 200 kcal It adds up fast if you're not tracking your intake! 2. Not all protein is lean protein Many Indian sources are protein-fat combos (paneer, peanuts, cheese, dals). You may think you're eating high protein, but you're also consuming a lot of hidden fat. Also read | Are you vegan? Nutritionist shares 11 high-protein foods to boost daily protein intake naturally Better vegetarian swaps? Swap paneer for tofu Swap peanuts for roasted chana Use Greek yogurt (unsweetened, low-fat) 3. Too much protein without strength training = stored energy. Protein supports muscle repair, but if you're not lifting or training, that extra protein becomes extra calories, often stored as fat, not muscle. Twist: Protein doesn't go to muscle by default. You must give your body the signal (resistance training). 4. Your digestion and kidney function matter. If you're bloated, gassy, or feel heavy after high protein meals, your gut might not be ready for that jump. Fix digestion before you double your protein. Add jeera and ajwain water, fermented foods, and chew mindfully. 5. You don't need 100g of protein overnight. Start small: 0.8g per kg of your ideal body weight. Then build it up with training and biofeedback. Also read | Too tired to cook? Dietician shares 5 high-protein but easy meals to prepare Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
